CompleteMartialArts.com - The Art and Science of Fencing
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List Price: $16.95
Our Price: $11.53
Your Save: $ 5.42 ( 32% )
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Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.86
EAN: 9781570280757
ISBN: 1570280754
Label: McGraw-Hill
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 296
Publication Date: 1999-01-11
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Studio: McGraw-Hill
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Editorial Reviews:
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Often thought of as an activity just for actors or an elite few, fencing is actually an ideal sport for people of all ages. Fencing develops dexterity, endurance, flexibility, grace, and overall fitness, while also allowing participants the opportunity to hone the mind's problem-solving abilities. It is easily learned and practiced by both young and old, men and women, boys and girls. It has even been molded to fit the needs of the blind and individuals using wheelchairs. This is truly a sport for everyone. The Art and Science of Fencing covers everything from the history of the sport to the specifics of fencing technique, including the psychology of fencing, types of fencing weapons, biographies of great fencers, and information on selecting a fencing school and getting started in the sport. This book is a necessity for everyone who's ever seen an Errol Flynn movie and thought "Hey, that could be me!"
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Thoughtful and Informative Guide to Fencing
Comment: Nick Evanglista's The Art and Science of Fencing is thoughtful, informed view on the world of fencing. His book inspired me to try the French grip which I have used ever since. After reading it twice, I often randomly pick it up and just read through a few topics to keep my mind fresh. While I believe that some of Evanglista's views are a little harsh, his core principles ring true and I have learned many things from reading his book. I would recommend this book to any fencer with over a year of experience.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A good overview of classical fencing teqniques
Comment: This book provides an excellent overview of classical fencing techniques.
The biggest flaw in this tome is the bias of the author to the "French" school of classical fencing...however, as this bias is clearly and repeatedly stated, there is no conflict.
As a beginner fencer myself, I found this book essential to developing practical skills as well as an understanding of the finer points of the sport.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Dull, not for advanced students
Comment: Not a technical book at all, but rather a poorly organized essay on the author's personal philosophy. For fencing history, try "By the Sword" by Richard Cohen. For technical instruction and better photos, try "Foil, Sabre, and Epee Fencing" by Garret, Kaidanov, and Pezza.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Best intro. fencing book I've read
Comment: This book offered a detailed overview of a variety of fencing concepts. It was both informative and enjoyable to read. I definitely recommend this book for beginning fencers or those who might be interested in the pursuit.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Just the Basics
Comment: The Art and Science of Fencing contains a fairly basic into and description of sport fencing, focusing on the French approach to foil. A full third of the book is dedicated to trying to sell the reader on fencing. In my opinion, if you have bought the book, you're already interested. The text was notably lacking in decent photos or illustrations. There are a couple of pages dedicated to praising the importance of drills and exercises, but there is very little actual description of suggested drills or exercises!
On a side note, the author has a very narrow view of fencing, attributing that there was no "real" swordplay until the 16th century. This is admittedly a common bias in the field. However, it blatantly ignores the fechtschules that have documented evidence from the 1400's. The author is not working from experience or research, as describing non-rapier swords as "can openers" is highly inaccurate.
Lastly, the author asserts that strength training has no place in a fencing training regime. I suggest that strength training has a place in any athletic endevor and that it is simply a matter of tailoring your program to match your sport.
Overall an average introduction for beginning fencers.
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